Job interviews in Japan: questions, manners and how to prepare
A job interview in Japan follows a more predictable pattern than many international candidates expect. The questions are often similar, and good manners count almost as much as the answers. Here’s what to expect and how to prepare.
How the process usually works
Most companies hold two or three rounds. The first is often with HR or a team manager and checks your background and Japanese. Later rounds go deeper into the role, and the final round is often with senior managers, where fit with the company matters most. Many first rounds now happen online.
Questions you’re likely to hear
| Japanese | Say it | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 自己紹介をお願いします | jiko shōkai o onegai shimasu | Please introduce yourself. Keep it to about one minute. |
| 志望動機を教えてください | shibō dōki o oshiete kudasai | Why did you apply to us? |
| なぜ日本で働きたいのですか？ | naze Nihon de hatarakitai no desu ka? | Why do you want to work in Japan? |
| 長所と短所を教えてください | chōsho to tansho o oshiete kudasai | What are your strengths and weaknesses? |
| 何か質問はありますか？ | nanika shitsumon wa arimasu ka? | Do you have any questions for us? |
For international candidates, “Why Japan?” and “How long do you plan to stay?” come up often. Interviewers want to know you’ve thought about life and work here, not only the job. Answer with specific reasons and a clear plan.
Manners that make a difference
- Arrive five to ten minutes early. Much earlier can be awkward for the company.
- Wait to be invited in and to sit down, and put your bag on the floor beside your chair.
- Use the set phrases. 失礼いたします (shitsurei itashimasu) when you enter and leave, よろしくお願いいたします (yoroshiku onegai itashimasu) at the start, and 本日はありがとうございました (honjitsu wa arigatō gozaimashita, thank you for today) at the end.
- Dress conservatively. A dark suit is the safe choice unless the company tells you otherwise.
- Bring copies of your rirekisho and shokumu keirekisho, even if you’ve already sent them.
Online interviews
- Test your camera, microphone and connection the day before.
- Choose a plain, quiet background and good light on your face.
- Join a few minutes early and look at the camera, not the screen, when you speak.
- The same manners apply: bow slightly at the start and end, and use the same set phrases.
Prepare your questions
“Do you have any questions?” is part of the assessment. Asking nothing can come across as low interest. Prepare two or three questions about the team, the work or training, such as 入社後はどのような研修がありますか？ (What training is there after joining?). Leave salary and holidays for later rounds or for the recruiter.
Practise out loud
Knowing the questions isn’t the same as answering them smoothly in Japanese under pressure. Mock interviews with honest feedback on your answers, your keigo and your manners are the fastest way to get comfortable.